This graduate beat the odds by leaving behind Skid Row for college

Kenneth Chancey is sharing his story so he can shatter preconceived notions people have about the homeless.

Chancey, 23, was homeless at 11, living on the streets before going into foster care. As he transitioned out of the system at 14, he slept on city buses in Los Angeles. "That was my lowest point, not having anywhere to go, and just saying, we're sleeping on the bus," he told ABC News. At 15, he moved into the Union Rescue Mission on L.A.'s Skid Row, living with his father and sister in a 200-square-foot room. He had a rough commute to high school, seeing fights and people using and selling drugs on the streets of Skid Row, but he kept up a 4.0 GPA and was on the track, football, and swim teams.

Chancey's hard work paid off: He earned several scholarships, and decided to attend Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles. On Saturday, he earned his bachelor's degree in political science, and is fielding several job offers — before he makes any decisions, though, he will spend one more summer working at the Inner-City Arts summer camp. It was a difficult journey, but one that Chancey knew he could complete. "I came here bare-handed," he said. "And yes it was harder than most people who are given resources...parental support. But it’s not impossible."

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